Commitment to Diversity

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The University of Washington School of Public Health acknowledges the land we occupy today as the traditional home of the Tulalip, Muckleshoot, Duwamish and Suquamish tribal nations. Without them we would not have access to this working, teaching and learning environment. We humbly take the opportunity to thank the original caretakers of this land who are still here.

Our School of Public Health is dedicated to addressing the root causes of health inequities and promoting healthy and safe communities in our region and beyond. As the problem of racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes persists, policymakers and the general public increasingly look to health professional schools to address these urgent and unacceptable circumstances. As a school of public health, it is particularly important for us to be up to this challenge.

Underlying all public health research and training activities is an acknowledgement and deeper understanding of the effects that historical, cultural and socioeconomic factors have on the health of communities, especially those who are most underserved. Racism and race-based oppression is all too often a central driver of health disparities. We work to attract and retain students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, to build and sustain a positive climate for inclusion and community, and to engender multiple modes of approaching complex problems. We strive to create opportunities for education, research and collaboration that leverage our strengths, similarities and differences. We challenge ourselves to view problems and evaluate solutions through an equity lens. Through each of these efforts, we aim to foster a generation of public health professionals and academicians who are poised to transform health for the better in our communities.

Our historical logo, the "Soul Catcher" by Marvin Oliver (Quinault/Isleta-Pueblo), symbolizes the restoration of health and wellness and reminds us to align our work holistically with the ways of the people while respecting and supporting the agency of individuals and communities to achieve their desired health outcomes. More information about our logo can be found here.

The work of equity, diversity and inclusion is the work of Public Health. We are committed to a future that is free of health inequities, that promotes the highest level of wellness for the communities we serve, and a diverse and inclusive public health workforce that embodies humility, respect, leadership and service on behalf of, and with, the diverse communities we are privileged to serve.

- Endorsed by the School of Public Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, September 17, 2018